Liu Qibao, head of the publicity department of the Central Committee of the CPC, stresses the role of media in enhancing bilateral relations between China and Russia. [Ren Qi/China Daily]

Contracts and memorandums on cooperation were signed by both sides at the opening ceremony of the China-Russian Forum of Media in St Petersburg, Russia on Thursday.

Liu Qibao, head of the publicity department of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party, said Sino-Russian relations had become one of the most important bilateral relations and that the role of the media is significant in helping both governments enhance their strategic partnership.

Alexey Gromov, deputy chief of staff of the Presidential Administration of Russia, said the two countries maintained close relations.

"I'm looking forward to the coming Media Year," said Gromov. "I believe lots of attractive and meaningful activities will be held between the media of China and Russia."